Mike Trout's resurgence this spring has fans buzzing with excitement. The Los Angeles Angels star, known for his electrifying play, is showing signs of his old self.
His sprint speed is back to elite levels, and his contact quality remains top-notch. After a stint in right field and as a designated hitter last season, Trout's return to center field in 2026 is a promising development for the Angels.
While he's no longer the 30-steal threat of his younger days, Trout's improved defense in center field could be a game-changer for a team that struggled in the outfield last year. However, even during his MVP peak, Trout couldn't single-handedly lift the Angels to the playoffs. Now in his mid-30s, expecting him to carry the franchise seems like a tall order.
The Angels are in a familiar bind. When Trout was sidelined or not at his best, the team's struggles were somewhat excusable.
But with a potential return to form, the pressure mounts on a roster not quite ready for prime time. Projections have the Angels finishing near the bottom of the AL West, with Trout and Zach Neto as the standout players.
FanGraphs suggests Nolan Schanuel might be the next most valuable contributor, but at just 1.7 fWAR, it underscores the team's depth issues.
Eno Sarris from The Athletic predicts Trout could achieve his first four-win season by WAR since 2022. Such a performance would be a beacon of hope for fans and the franchise alike, especially with Trout's contract extending four more years after 2026.
Keeping him healthy and on the field should be a priority, as he played 130 games in 2025. But with Trout's competitive spirit, keeping him off the field might be easier said than done, even if the Angels find themselves out of playoff contention.